§ 34-319. Animal control hearing board.

(a)

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners hereby creates a board known as the animal control hearing board, to hold hearings provided for in [this] article. The board so designated is authorized and shall have jurisdiction to conduct hearings and determine matters provided for in this Code. No member of the animal control hearing board may participate in a hearing on any matter in which a member previously participated in the classification of the dog at issue.

(b)

In addition to having jurisdiction to conduct the aforementioned hearings, the animal control hearing board shall have the authority to:

(1)

Study animal related issues, including but not limited to identifying ways to reduce animal overpopulation, encourage animal adoptions, improve public relations, and improve animal safety and comfort, and make recommendations to the board of commissioners regarding those issues;

(2)

Review and make recommendations to the board of commissioners regarding ordinances relating to the control and welfare of animals in Fulton County;

(3)

Submit reports to the board of commissioners at the direction of the board of commissioners;

(4)

Facilitate regular quarterly meetings between and among Fulton County citizens, animal advocacy groups and organizations;

(5)

Secure grant funding in cooperation with Fulton County Animal Control, animal advocacy groups and government agencies; and

(6)

Perform other duties as prescribed by the board of commissioners.

(c)

The hearing board shall consist of seven members appointed by the board of commissioners. The initial term of members shall be as follows:

(1)

Two members to serve for one year;

(2)

Two members to serve for two years; and

(3)

Three members to serve for three years.

Thereafter, all members shall be appointed for terms of three years and until their successors are appointed.

(d)

A Fulton County Commissioner shall nominate any qualified resident of Fulton County to serve as a member of the animal control hearing board and said nominee shall be appointed by a majority of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

(16-0469, Exh. 1, 6-1-16; 16-0728, Exh. A, 9-7-16; 18-0571, Exh. A, 8-15-18)